On Saturday, March 19, the California Living Museum (CALM) kicked off their Spring Fling Week by opening a new attraction to they are calling the Condor Challenge to the public.

After receiving the Carol White Grant, Chief of Staff Stephen Sanders explained that the zoo came up with this two phase high ropes and climbing challenge, “to generate revenue and help with the expansion of CALM.”

The first phase, and the only attraction that has been opened to the public so far, is Bakersfield’s first outdoor climbing tower.

The tower itself stands 32 feet high, has two sides to climb, and four different routes to take.

To climb the tower participants must be at least 5 years old and weigh a minimum of 25 pounds.

“The tower is in a perfect location and is for anyone who wants to improve their physical fitness”, said Sanders.

Eventually CALM hopes to add another side to the tower, and possibly some new elements to make the wall more challenging.

As for the climbers overall reaction to the tower so far, Sanders said, “They say the views from the top are great, but some are experiencing sore arms the next day.”

The second phase of the Condor Challenge consists of a six-element high ropes course that will focus on team building for large groups who want to gain trust, communication, and agility skills.

The high ropes course includes climbing more than 35 feet, balancing on a single cable, moving across several poles and nets, and one element Sanders said is being called “the leap of faith” where participants must leap from a pole out into the air and catch a trapeze.

However, if the “leap of faith” or any portion of the Condor Challenge seems too daunting, Sanders assures, “We follow the ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy. We want people to be challenged, but not force them into doing anything they don’t want to do.”

Participants in the high ropes course must be at least 10 years old and be able to safely fit into the harness equipment.

The high ropes course will only be available by reservation, and is set to open later this spring. Although the Condor Challenge has already received an overwhelmingly positive reaction, it is not the only exciting attraction that CALM has planned to open this year.

Sanders explained that in about six months, the zoo plans to open a new wildlife exhibit called the California Coast Room.

This exhibit will focus on marine life and include a touch tank, so even children who have never been to the beach will have the opportunity to observe marine life up-close.

For pricing and more information about the Condor Challenge or CALM feel free to contact the zoo at (661) 872-2256 or visit their site at calmzoo.org.